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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Scariest Rides at California Adventure

Tower of Terror might have the spookiest name, but that doesn't mean its the only attraction meant to terrorize guests at California Adventure. Check out our list of the top ten scariest rides in California Adventure!

10. Golden Zephyr

There's something about that moment when your "Zephyr" speeds up and starts spinning wide over the safety of the platform below that just creeps me out every time!

9. Francis' Ladybug Boogie

I've never been able to predict where these crazy ladybugs are going to go next (which I figure is the point!) and I always manage to get flung around the seats like crazy!Its fun, but it scares me!

8. Radiator Springs Racers

This is my absolute, hands-down, 100% favorite ride in all of California Adventure with its immersive atmosphere, full story, and exciting race. But its not exactly what I'd consider a scary ride. Although, the first time my son rode it he really thought we were about to crash into Mack (at the part when you first enter the town) - he screamed and ducked into my lap! I guess its all about perspective!

7. Soarin' Over California

The first couple of times I rode this one, the moment of takeoff was terrifying! Since then, I actually find it pretty relaxing. Unless you're in the middle or bottom rows and have people's feet swinging above your head. I'm still very scared of getting a kick to the forehead mid-ride!

6. Silly Symphony Swings

This is one of my favorites, and mostly because of its thrill factor! You're up in the air with only a little clip keeping you from soaring through the air (soaring over California, if you will) and plummeting into the waters below, which almost sounds fun until you remember that the water is filled with pipes, hoses, and jets for World of Color...ouch.

Scary Story Bonus: Once I was on this and the woman sitting two rows in front of me decided to unclip and jump down when we were still about 5 feet off the ground!

Lady, if you're reading this, you are crazy!!!

5. California Screamin'

I have to admit, this was scarier in the olden days before Neil Patrick Harris counted down until the time to "Screeeeeeeeeeaaaaam!" when you didn't know exactly when you'd go shooting out at high speeds. But its still a great thrill! I think what puts it over the top of other roller coasters is its length. Most scary coasters are done about 30 seconds after they start, but Screamin' keeps the thrills going for over two and a half minutes!

4. Goofy's Sky School

Before I start, DO NOT ride this one if you have any kind of back, neck, knee, any body part problem. Its ROUGH. That being said, this ride makes you feel like your tiny little "plane" could tip over the side of the track and go plummeting down at any minute. The tight turns and big drops only amplify the feeling!

3. Grizzly River Run

There's nothing quite as terrifying as the moment you're about to go down the big drop and you realize you're the one going backwards! Complete and utter horror!

2. Tower of Terror

You should never judge a book by its cover, but please judge this ride by its spooky exterior and extremely accurate name! As if plunging to your doom in an elevator over and over again wasn't scary enough, have you ever paid attention to the atmosphere in the line? The lobby is full of cobwebs covering suitcases, chess games, and dolls that seem to have been abandoned (or did the owners simply disappear??). And don't even get me started on the furnace that looks like a face!

Pro Tip: Pick up your feet to catch a little bit of air and add to the scary excitement.

1. Mickey's Fun Wheel (Swinging Gondola Version)

I like to call this one "Mickey's Death Wheel" because I legitimately fear for my life every time I get on it. Those swinging gondolas are probably the most terrifying thing on the face of the Earth! Not only are you swinging out over the water, looking like you're going to go flying into the air at any second, but you're also put in the odd position of feeling as if you're about to either fall on top of the person sitting across from your or that they're going to fall on top of you! Not kidding...there's no seat belts, safety bars, or anything else once you're in that cage. This is a very real possibility people!

HONORABLE MENTION:
A special shout out goes to the Maliboomer which, when it was still around, gave some of the biggest thrills during that special moment at the very top when your seat started falling down but your body was still going up! RIP Maliboomer.